We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Camille Suarez. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Camille below.

Camille, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. So, let’s start with a hypothetical – what would you change about the educational system?

Trade school is almost unorthodox in nature because the traditional route-post high school-is college. I believe the best thing for someone who is looking for experience-and an occupation within two to three years-is to learn a trade. Prospects are, often times, able to learn, grow a skill and essentially make money before a four-year college student graduates. With that developed skill and experience, they will have the option to enter confidently into the workplace or start their own business, like I did.

My skill set is versatile and is always in demand. Whether I am 15 or 65 years old I would still be physically able to work with my trade.

Another reason I advocate for trade-with specificity to my industry is because of its versatility. I don’t require a brick and mortar in order to service my clients. For example, I am able to service a wedding party or help prepare a deceased person for funeral services. If I have a client who doesn’t feel safe to leaving their home due to the effects of COVID- I offer a home services.

Lastly, education is important in my industry. Every two years we are required to complete a continuing education course. The requirement does not take a lot of time away from my business which is great. With inflation creating a great amount of frustration for businesses, young people will also benefit knowing that my industry has a low start up cost. All in all, learning a trade has significant benefits.

Camille, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Well, I had a friend at the time whose mother took over a nail salon. I would catch rides with her to her mother’s salon and would watch them work. I volunteered sweeping the floors then, graduated to painting little girls’ nails for fun. After high school, her mother witnessed how devoted and dedicated I was and offered to pay for my nail class and license. 14 years later I am the proud owner of Polish Me Pretty Nails by Camille. I am a Nail Extension Specialist and Master Manicurist. I specialize in cuticle care. My mission is to serve you and take care of all your cuticle needs while polishing your nails pretty. Cuticles help protect the nail plate. Without them, it’s impossible to get your nails done. There are many nail salons where multiple technicians are working on you at the same time. There is a language barrier. You get the “quick and go” service. When you enter by suite you get a one-on-one experience. It’s just you and I. I take my time, I listen. I am your unofficial therapist. By the time you leave, we would have laughed some. Cried some. Ate a lil and talked A LOT. Oh and your nails? Picture perfect!. I offer nail extensions, manicures, and pedicures. I also offer courses/classes if you are considering learning a valuable profession.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

At 18, I was betrayed in a romantic relationship which resulted in financial hardship. I co-signed a car for my then-boyfriend. Two years later, he kicked me out and dropped me off at a friend’s house in that same car-leaving me to fend for myself. I became depressed and gained 40 pounds in that year.

The following year, my friend’s mother paid for my nail class, my license, and offered me a place to stay. They help me get back on my feet.

Determined not to move back home with my mom I slowly began rebuilding my life. I lost all the stress weight, obtained my driver’s license, purchased my own car, began cosmetology school, and moved out.

The following year, I met someone new and became pregnant. Unfortunately, I would end up losing my job in an addition to a run in with the law. Once again, I hit rock bottom, but this was one different. I had no one to help me this time. I knew there was only one person that could fix it and that was God. I sought His plan for my life and things began to change for the better. He reminded me of my purpose which was to serve. Fast forward to 2023 I am now I am a proud and successful black business owner. I never gave up even and when life knocked me down. If there was anything I could take away from my journey it’s that every situation gave me experiences no matter sweet or bitter.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

As an employee under various salon owners, I was often provided with the stability of consistent clientele, pay, and supplies

But the difficulty and that was, I wasn’t able to select the clients that I wanted. I didn’t have a The clients that fit me best

Another difficulty was the fact that I was able to pick up pick my own schedule I was I had to be available around the clock

I wasn’t provided with any flexibility, which really affected my mental health

And the tipping point was that I was exchanging my time for money, but I still find myself financially uncomfortable

So I decided to step on out on faith, and start my own business.

Initially it was very uncomfortable because I didn’t have the stability from the clientele and consistent pay for my previous employer

So I had to market myself, worked really hard to create consistent and replace my 9-5. But I didn’t give up because now I enjoy what I do, I make my own and I have financial freedom.

Contact Info:

• Website: Polishmeprettynails.co
• Instagram: polishmeprettymeprettynailsbycamille
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PolishMePrettynailsbyCamille?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Yelp: https://m.yelp.com/biz/polish-me-pretty-nails-by-camille-jacksonville

Image Credits
Kendra Knight Photo-Greensboro, NC Nail Photos by Camille Suarez Brand Strategist- Alyssa Jones Pina Design Studios